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Parking:
What you need to know to get it right.
Designing a parking garage is not a simple matter, as most of our clients know.Many factors must be considered to design an attractive, functional, efficient, and durable building with a parking component.
A few key elements of successful parking design…..
1. The size of a parking space is generally mandated by local zoning or land development ordinances.A space should be sized based upon its typical use.
2. Different Levels of Services (LOS) apply when designing functional layouts for parking. LOS A is the most generous, providing the greatest ease to navigate and maneuver. It is appropriate for high turnover uses such as shopping centers, airport short-term parking, and hospital visitor parking. LOS B is appropriate for long-term airport parking and office visitor parking. LOS C is often applied for employee and student parking on campuses. LOS D is tolerated in busy urban settings, where drivers are simply thankful to find a spot.
3. Circulation impacts the width of traffic aisles and ends, as well as turning bays. Two-way aisles can vary from 22 feet to 26 feet. One-way aisles from 16 feet to 20 feet.
4. There is no such thing as one way aisles with 90 degree parking stalls, or two-way aisles with angles parking.
5. The two most common structural systems for long span garages are precast concrete double tee decks, and concrete post-tensioned systems. Other options include steel frames with precast tee decks, cast-in-place concrete decks, and filigree, which is a combination of precast elements and cast in place concrete topping.
6. Durability starts at the design stage. There are a number of provisions that add durability to the structure. These include concrete mix design (high strength, low water cement), corrosion inhibitors, epoxy coated rebar, penetrating sealers, electrometric traffic membranes, and sloped floors for drainage.
7. Security is critical for every building, and parking structures are no exception. Security measures are classified as active or passive. Active security measures include security patrols, emergency call stations, and closed circuit television systems. Passive security measures are inherent in good garage design, such as open, well lit areas, the elimination of blind/hiding spots, and glass-backed elevators.
8. Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) has revolutionized garage operations. Cashiered parking is becoming less prevalent, in favor of pay on foot stations, credit card payment, and Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI).
Parking is designed and constructed for people. Parking and mixed-use structures serve people, and good parking garage design never loses sight of the true purpose of each structure.
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